Among the souvenirs you received from a recent out-of-state trip was an OVI arrest and conviction. You returned home embarrassed and ashamed and hoping that few people would find out about it.
That is likely not going to happen in Ohio, which is one of more than 45 states that participate in the Driver License Compact in which state governments share information on drivers’ records. Ohio officials will find out about the OVI charge and conviction from another state. And you will not go unpunished.
Face additional penalties as a result
The state in which the OVI conviction occurred is not able to suspend your driver’s license. However, your home state of Ohio will do so once it learns about the conviction. The other state will alert the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), and the process begins.
Ohio will enforce penalties on drivers who break laws in other states. Once the BMV learns of the conviction, it will promptly suspend your driver’s license for six months. You also must pay a reinstatement fee if the license suspension lasts longer than 89 days.
However, you still may be able to secure limited driving privileges from the court to get to work, travel and medical appointments.
Accept it and seek a legal ally
Preventing Ohio authorities from learning about your out-of-state OVI conviction is something that will not happen. In time, the state will find out about it. Expect to face additional consequences as a result. In this situation, it is a good idea to have a legal ally on your side.